The theory of psychoanalysis, by Sigmund Freud, was the theory of personality, and has the influenced

different studies of personality. It is set for foundation on which other theories of personality were
developed and studied. It focus on how the unconscious mind influences thoughts, feelings and
behavior. It suggests that the motivation behind one's behavior lies outside of one's awareness.
Moreover, according to this theory, "behavior is determined by irrational forces, unconscious
motivation, and biological and instinctual drives."

Psychoanalysis was developed firstly as another means as treatment for patients who did not respond to
other medical and or psychological methods. Freud suggested that "people could be cured by making
conscious their unconscious thoughts and motivation, thus gaining insight." It helps person achieve self
awareness and insight into their behavior and experiences.

The psychoanalytic perspective according to Sigmund Freud divided personality into three levels:

1. The conscious, which is inclusive of experiences and sensation which persons are aware.

2. The preconscious, which is the storehouse of memories, perceptions and thoughts which persons are
aware, but can be brought into consciousness.

3. The unconscious, the dividing force behind all behaviors, which is also the focus of psychoanalytic
therapy.

What Is Psychoanalytic Therapy?

Psychoanalytic therapy is a form of in-depth talk therapy that aims to bring unconscious or deeply
buried thoughts and feelings to the conscious mind so that repressed experiences and emotions, often
from childhood, can be brought to the surface and examined. Working together, the therapist and client
look at how these repressed early memories have affected the client’s thinking, behavior, and
relationships in adulthood. This type of therapy is based upon the work of Sigmund Freud who founded
the school of thought known as psychoanalysis.

History of Psychoanalytic Therapy

Psychoanalytic theory grew out of the work of the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud who began
developing his therapeutic techniques in the late 1800s. In 1885, Freud began to study and work with
Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière in Paris. Charcot used hypnosis to treat women suffering from
what was then known as hysteria. Symptoms of the illness included partial paralysis, hallucinations, and
nervousness.

Freud continued to research hypnotism in treatment, but his work and friendship with colleague Josef
Breuer led to the development of his most famous therapeutic technique. Breuer described his
treatment of a young woman, known in the case history as Anna O., whose symptoms of hysteria were
relieved by talking about her traumatic experiences. Freud and Breuer collaborated on a book called
Studies on Hysteria and Freud continued to develop his use of this "talk therapy." This approach
proposed that simply talking about problems could help relieve psychological distress.
When It's Used

People with depression, emotional struggles, emotional trauma, neurotic behavior patterns, self-
destructive behavior patterns, personality disorders, or ongoing relationship issues, may benefit from
psychoanalytic therapy. One small study found that 77 percent of patients reported significant
improvement in symptoms, interpersonal problems, quality of life, and well-being upon completing
psychoanalytic therapy. At a one-year follow-up, 80 percent reportedly experienced improvements.

What to Expect

Some very specific techniques are used in psychoanalytic therapy: Free association uses spontaneous
word association. The client says whatever first comes to mind when the therapist says a word. The
therapist then looks for and interprets patterns in the client’s responses so they can explore the meaning
of these patterns together. Dream analysis uncovers repressed feelings that may be hidden in symbols
that appear in the client’s dreams. The therapist helps the client discover the meaning and significance
of those symbols. Transference analysis explores the transfer of the client’s feelings and emotions from
one person to another. For instance, the client’s repressed childhood feelings toward a parent may be
transferred to a partner in an adult relationship later in life, or to the therapist during the psychoanalytic
process. Resistance is loosely defined as a client's unwillingness to discuss a particular topic in therapy.
For example, if a client in psychotherapy is uncomfortable talking about his or her father, they may show
resistance around this topic.

How It Works

Psychoanalytic therapists generally spend time listening to patients talk about their lives, which is why
this method is often referred to as "the talking cure." The therapy provider will look for patterns or
significant events that may play a role in the client's current difficulties. Psychoanalysts believe that
childhood events and unconscious feelings, thoughts, and motivations play a role in mental illness and
maladaptive behaviors. Based on Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic therapy
uses analytic techniques to help release repressed thoughts, experiences, and emotions, but it is a
modified, generally briefer, and less intense version of early Freudian analysis. The therapist-patient
relationship is central to the healing process, as are the original theories of attachment, which focus on
the quality of bonding between infant and parent; transference, the transfer of earlier emotions and
needs to people and events in the present time; and resistance, the stage of therapy when the client
becomes overwhelmed by the release of painful, repressed feelings and tries to avoid dealing with them.
Eventually, as patients become more comfortable and less resistant to facing their issues and are able to
understand their own motives and behavior, healing can begin.